Sound Transit alters Issaquah bus route to speed rush-hour trips

November 3, 2012

By Staff

NEW — 6 a.m. Nov. 3, 2012

Sound Transit bus riders on Route 554 between Seattle and Issaquah should prepare for a route change in downtown Seattle.

The regional transit agency rerouted buses on Route 554 and other routes to a bus stop at Fourth Avenue, just north of Pike Street and adjacent to Westlake Park. The change goes into effect Monday to help speed evening rush-hour trips.

Officials closed the former bus stop at Fourth Avenue and Union Street to accommodate a change on Route 522 between Seattle and Woodinville.

Transit planners said the change should save several minutes getting out of downtown Seattle during evening rush hours.

The change is a result of changes to Regional Express Route 522. Planners said Route 522 buses should turn right onto Pike Street from Fourth Avenue, and use the Pike Street entrance to the Interstate 5 express lanes in the afternoon.

The route’s last stop downtown is on Pike Street just west of Sixth Avenue.